Immunizing Science Against Bigotry

Beleaguered Israeli doctors now have to fend off mindless attacks from their scientific colleagues, particularly in Europe.

It's bad enough that Israeli doctors are spending their lives in emergency rooms treating Jewish and Arab victims of suicide bombers. What really makes them heartsick these days, however, is that they also have to fend off mindless attacks from their scientific colleagues, particularly in Europe.

That was the most gut-wrenching impression I returned with after a recent trip to Israel along with 70 other senior physicians from across America. We had gone to bolster the spirits of our Israeli colleagues, exhausted and bewildered from two years of the relentless experience of treating victims of terror.

We arrived at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, where some 2,000 victims have been treated, less than 24 hours after a particularly horrific bus bombing in Jerusalem. Hours earlier, teams of Jewish-Arab doctors had done what they've done for the past two years: jumped into action to save the lives of the critically injured.

On Israeli television the night before, the father of the homicidal bomber bragged that he was proud of his son who had attacked a busload of schoolchildren and senior citizens. On the day we arrived, that same father suffered chest pains and was brought to Hadassah. He was seen by the same doctors who were still treating the victims of his son's madness.

The humanitarian approach to medicine of our colleagues in Israel stands in stark contrast to actions recently taken by our European colleagues. In Britain and Norway, countries we Americans generally feel are kindred to our way of life, university professors and scientific researchers have recently refused to share research information with Israel's academics and physicians because they oppose Israel's policy toward the Palestinians.

The head of Hadassah's gene therapy institute, Dr. Eitan Galun, an Israeli Jew, has been engaged in research to cure a blood disease prevalent in the Palestinian community. He recently requested assistance from a Norwegian scientist and was refused.

"Due to the present situation in the Middle East, I will not deliver any material to an Israeli university," she responded by e-mail.

By her actions, which confuse science with politics, the Palestinian population will needlessly continue to suffer from a disease that could be cured through scientific cooperation.

Also recently, two Israeli academics were dismissed from the boards of scholarly linguistics journals. The first, Miriam Shlesinger, a senior lecturer in translation studies at Bar-Ilan University, was removed from the editorial board of the Translator: Studies in Intercultural Communication.

Using Israel's political situation as a reason to withhold collaborative information is a symptom of that chronic European disease, anti-Semitism, which now hides behind anti-Israel rhetoric.

The second, Gideon Toury, a professor at Tel Aviv University's School of Cultural Studies, was dismissed from the international advisory board of Translation Studies Abstracts. Mona Baker, a University of Manchester academic who has circulated a petition calling for a moratorium on grants and contracts with research institutions in Israel, owns both publications.

These examples dramatically demonstrate an unacceptable breakdown in the international norms of intellectual freedom and collaboration.

Our colleagues in Israel do not mix science and politics; our colleagues in Europe should know better than to do so. Using Israel's political situation as a reason to withhold collaborative information is a smokescreen. Moreover, it is a symptom of that chronic European disease, anti-Semitism, which now hides behind anti-Israel rhetoric.

Israel is criticized for human rights violations as it tries to protect its citizens. Yet it is the only country in the Middle East with a free press and an independent judiciary, and all its citizens -- men and women, whether Jew, Muslim or Christian -- have the right to vote.

It's high time for the courageous and intellectually honest among our European colleagues to make a stand against their region's particular brand of bigotry. It is past time for doctors and scientists to first heal themselves and then immunize Europe against this centuries-old scourge.

The medical community in Israel truly reflects the words of the prophet Malachi 2:10: "Have we not one father hath not one God created us, wherefore shall we deal treacherously with each other. Profaning the covenant of our fathers."

It's time for our colleagues in Europe to recognize this and act accordingly.

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About the Author

Dr. Benjamin Sachs is the Harold H. Rosenfield Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Biology at the Harvard Medical School. He recently led a medical mission to Israel, sponsored by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston and the Hadassah Medical Organization and Hadassah.

Visitor Comments: 15

(15)
Brent Ryder,
April 10, 2003 12:00 AM

People need to stand against anti - semitism

It is heartbreaking to see and hear the vicious anti semitism being displayed in "intellectual circles" in Europe and also, shamefully here in Canada. There little difference between the rioting mobs protesting against having Bernard Lewis or Benjamin Netanyahu speak at a Canadian university, and smooth academics who exclude Israeli doctors to make a political statement. We need to speak out boldly against those who seek to muzzle all dialog and debate.

(14)
Anonymous,
February 19, 2003 12:00 AM

What, anti-semitism?

Just because doctors and scientists from Europe don't want to help Israeli doctors, that doesn't mean they are anti-semitic. Israel is quick to jump on the anti-semitic band wagon just because somebody doesn't agree with their policies. Most of the anti-semitism in Europe and other places today is largely due to Israeli policies towards the Palestinians. To reduce this they must end the unjust persecution they have set on the Palestinians.

(13)
Diane Dichter-Byers,
February 4, 2003 12:00 AM

All life is sacred

Wasn't it Dr. Mudd, who treated John Wilks Booth, the infamous assassin of President Abraham Lincoln in the United States, at the end of the Civil War, and was hanged for rendering medical aid. That's what medical professionals are sworn to do. I myself am a nurse. I consider it a sacred calling, a sacred trust if you will. I use my hands and skills for "G-d" by what ever name you call Him. I will save the life of my worst enemy, to honor G-d. Diane

(12)
Ilbert A. Phillips,
January 28, 2003 12:00 AM

I agree with the author

It is ironic that Europeans claim they want to help Palestinians, but refuse to assist Israeli doctors who are looking for cures that will assist the Palestinians. Typical anti-semetic nonsense.

(11)
Eva Schultz,
January 28, 2003 12:00 AM

These people are disgusting!

The treatment reported here from people who think of themselves as the educated elete is disgusting. You can tell they listen to only the managed news that is given out in order to manage the masses . In the alternate news, not found floating around every where, you have to dig for, on the web as far as I can see, Starting with Webnetdaily. Use your common sense as you search through real history not immagined, subjective matter that has been dreamed up by crass prople throwing their weight around. Disgusting!

(10)
Peter,
January 28, 2003 12:00 AM

Sad state of affairs

It is a sad state of affairs in the world when even those who seek good are ground up in the political mill of those who hate. It is also sad that these people who claim high ethics for their actions hate the Almihgty as well. By their actions they cut them selves off from the means to find the truth, relationsship with G_d and those who seek Him and to do His will. We can but just pray that the foolishness of their ways will be made known to them.

(9)
Keith Ironside,
January 28, 2003 12:00 AM

I am a physician and agree and support the opinion of Dr Benjamin Sachs. The Physician's Prayer of Moses Maimonides is framed on the wall outside of my office for me and all to see and live. The prayer is a gift I treasure. What is there to treasure in the words of those who critisize physicians who give their gift of healing without regard to race, religion or political view. As Maimonides said, "I see only the man".

(8)
Sam Crutchfield,
January 28, 2003 12:00 AM

anti-semitism must end

Why do we as humans treat each other so inhumane. God said let us make man in our image and according our likeness genesis 1:26, should we not Love one another as God first loved us. especially when those Isreali doctors are treating the people who are attacking and killing their children. Where are the doctors who want to save life instead of increase their bank accounts?

(7)
Anonymous,
January 27, 2003 12:00 AM

I am not a scholar, but I do believe in humanity and the words of the prophet Malach 12:10; I stand against bigotry in all its forms.

(6)
Barbara Levene,
January 27, 2003 12:00 AM

Anti-Boycott petitions

I am happy to report that many doctors scientists and scholars in Europe and elsewhere have signed petitions on the internet opposing the boycott of Israeli academics. In fact there are many ,more signatures on these petitions than on the original boycott petition, originated by a Prof. Steven Rose in England , who is Jewish, and supported by Mona Baker.

(5)
Char,
January 27, 2003 12:00 AM

Bigotry with a New Face

It's amazing what people do and say and then tell the lie to themselves that they do it all in the name of G-d or they do it for G-d's sake. Blind hatred blinds the hater. As a physician (this really goes for everyone), you have a duty to rise above politics. He who says he loves his brother and then commits selfish acts that harms another is a liar. While visiting Israel, a companion in the group became life-threatening ill, and she was taken to the hospital in Jerusalem. They took EXCELLENT care of her. She was able to return home with us with further instructions to see her own doctor and medication. She recovered completely thanks to the Jewish physicians that tended to her IMMEDIATELY when she was taken to the hospital and promptly diagnosed. Thanks to all the Jewish physicians that invented the vaccines and determined diseases and have sought cures for ALL of us. Without you, most of us wouldn't be here today.

(4)
Anonymous,
January 27, 2003 12:00 AM

Protest

Hello;

I would love to write letters to these various Europeans, as well as their institutions. I would appreciate it if you would perhaps direct me to relevant information,European: Individuals, e-mail addresses, and organizations, which would aide in formulating convincing, accurate, and articulate letters of protest.

I do hope youmay be able to help me.

Best Regards,
Otillia de Andrade

(3)
JULIUS ROMANOFF, Ed.D.,
January 26, 2003 12:00 AM

Medical Mis-Diagnosis

Dr Sachs article exposes a bias, which is anti-semitism, camouflaged as supporting Palestinian statehood. This view voiced by uneducated and unwordly-wise individuals can be disregarded. However, stated by individuals, educated and exposed to facts must be challenged. It confirms the belief that individuals trained in a limited or specialized area never learned to study history or look beyond propaganda presented as facts. Israel has endured a war disguised as a fight for an independent state by the Arab people. Past events should be sufficient to make one realize that the state the Arabs seek is one that replaces Israel with another Arab country. We need to make known the damage these individuals have made to science and medical research because of their allegiance to false beliefs. Is it possible that they are or expect to receive funds from Moslem sites?

(2)
Anonymous,
January 26, 2003 12:00 AM

Please publish list of those organization and individual who do this. American $$ sometimes finance this research. A significance percentage of the funds comes form Jewish communities. Why support those who refuse to share information with Israel.

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

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